Display board



Feb. 9, 1965 M. suRRr-:Y 3,168,787

DISPLAY BOARD Filed Oct. 5, 1962 sneaLE/we, fires/9, QW@ ffasrew 'tion.

3,168,787 Patented Feb. 9, 1965 3,168,787 DISPLAY BOARD t Milt Surrey, 60 Fern Drive, Roslyn, N.Y. Filed Oct. 5, 1962, Ser. No. 228,544 4 Claims. (Cl. 40-65) This invention relates to a visual display system and more particularly to a display board assembled of a plurality of laterally aligned panels magnetically aixed to a common backing structure.

Visual display devices are presently available in a variety of forms to assist in the scheduling and control of numerous conditions, such as material inventory, order processing, sales performance, etc. Such boards typically include a backing structure to which numerous indicia may be removably aflixed. The individual indicia are therefrom. Consequently this invention permits the reremoval and rearrangement of the individual panels [or groups of panels], in a preferred manner permitting full utilization of available board space.

As a further aspect of this invention the magnetic surface of the backing structure is recessed within a longitudinal gap of sufficient dimensions to contain the conormally of different colors to vividly and rapidly present 1 a plurality of adjacently arrayed channels permanently i secured to the common support. These channels are dimensioned to receive the appropriate indicia, which may typically be strips of paper or plastic suitably colored and marked to indicate the pertinent parameters. In order to modify the presentation of the board it is necessary to separably remove and replace each of the individual indicia. Thus, such a board practically precludes rearrangement of existing information. Should it be desired to insert information between adjacently arranged channels it is necessary to go through the cumbersome procedure of displacing the individual paper or plastic indicators disposed within the channels of entire sections of the board. To avoid this it has been the practice to leave blank channels between those being used; such blank channels being provided for the later insertion of subse- Vquent information. However, such a practice disadvan- -tageously results in the use of less than the full `capacity ofthe board, and the disjointed presentation of informa- Another type of display board is constructed of individualindicator strips contained within channeled edges of the common support. Although each of theindividual strips may be removed, the removal of a strip causes the strips above it to move downward;` thereby` lling the gap created by the removedstrip, Should it be desired to indicia containing panels tothe baclcing support. Each of the individual panels are'rnaintained in` alignment along theylengthof the board and are separatelyadjustable to any" selected position along the board. Further, the panelsmay easily beslipped in or outof the `board and .1,

moved up 0r down for rapid rearrangement of informa- In `thepreferred illustrative embodiment of the' subject invention each individual panel is `magnetically `held -in place by the cooperative engagement of individualmag- .neticelementsisecured to the rear surface of the panel `:and a magnetic surface along the backing structure. The

backing` structure of the board may typically be` constructed of steel to attract and retain the magnet carry- `ing` panels. Each panel is independently held `inplace.

Hence, individual panels maybe removed with all the designed'to permit groups of panels to `be moved Aalong `prior art byseparately and adjustably'atixing each of the .t g

length ofthe b oard twithout becoming disengaged operating magnetic elements atlxed to the rear surface of the individual panels. Thus the magnets will not cause any visible protrusions. That is, the forward surface of the panel will lie at and will not have any bulging sections corresponding to the location of the magnetic elements.

As another aspect of this invention the edges of the backing structure are formed into channels to contain the end portions of the individual panels in alignment.

' As still another preferred aspect of the instant display board the uppermost region of the board includes a oating bar. This bar is contained within the board by the oppositely located channel members and is biased against the top `surface of the adjacent panel. Such a bar provides a complete looking aesthetically pleasing board should it be desirable to remove one or two of the panels.

As another aspect of this invention each of the individual panels contain oppositely disposed lips to receive and iixedly contain the individual paper or plastic indicia means. These lips are designed to readily permit the substitution of individual indicia means Without necessitating the removal of the panels from the `backing structure. Further, the panels themselves are of a unitary structure preferably formed of a resilient plastic to allow individual panels to be readily grasped for removal or insertion.

, The backing surface may be completely formed of steel. Alternatively it may be constructed of a lightweight material, such as aluminum or plastic, with steel strips being placed in the grooves to cooperate with the individual magnetic elements aixed to the panels.` The latter fconstruction is particularly desirable in large boards where a solid steel backing surface would be of an eX- cessive weight. Although the invention is typically illustrated with three grooves, [and cooperating magnetic `elements secured to `each panel], the number of such grooves would naturally depend upon the width of the individual board, the weight of the panel `and the strength of `the magnets. Moreor less grooves may beused in accordance with the requirements of a particular application.

p Itis thus seen that the basic concept ofthe instant Iinvention resides inthe construction of a visual display `board whereinthe` individualv panels are adjustably and removably affixed to the backing surface by means of individual` magnetic elements. t As further aspects, the panels are maintainedin alignment across the width of the boardrthe individual Vmagnetic elements are recessed `within rear` grooves ofthe backing `surface to thereby presentasmooth front surface; `and a floating bar is provided to cover `the gap between the uppermost panel and the top portion of the board. This results in an 4aestlneticallyV pleasing board capable.'of rapid rearrangement andi-modification Aof information.

It is therefore a primary object ofthis `invention toY provide a display board which comprises a plurality of aligned indicia containing panels, each individually aiXed to abacking surface. f t

A further object of this invention is to provide such a panelboard wherein cooperating magnetic .means individually maintain the position of each panel to the backingisurface. Y i

Another object of this invention is to provide a visual displaywsystem which readily permits the yinsertionl and `rearrarmigernent. of information. u t

steel surface 21.

yAn additional object of this invention Yis to provide a display board whereinthe individual panels are magnetically aixed to the backing support to readily permit theirindividual relocation within Vthe board, and a Vfloating bar at the uppermost Vregion of the board is biased downward to cover theunused portion of the board in an aesthetically pleasing manner.

Still 4a further object of this invention is to prov-ide such a display board wherein the individual panels may be individually `and readily removed from the board and individual indicia means contained within the panel may be likewise readily removed.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a visual display system containing individual panels constructed to receive removable indicia means wherein the panels are individually magnetically affixed to a backing structure such that selected 'ones of the panels may be removed with the other panels being maintained in their previous position.

These as well as vother objects of ,the .invention will readily become apparent from the following description of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is aperspectiive view illustrating Ya preferred embodiment of the instant invention, with a few of the panels removably shown in exploded form.

FIGURE V2 isa front Viewy of the assembled display board, shown with a few of the panels removed.

f FIGURE 3 is across-sectional view through line 3--3 of FIGURE 2 and looking in the direction of the arrows.

FIGURES 4, 5 and 6 are plan,-end and side elevation views respectively of an individual panel. l

Referring to the figures, panelboard comprises a backing Astructure 24B and aplurality of individual panels 30 aixed thereto. Backing structureV 20 is adapted to be vertically hung on a wall, as the eyelets .27. Each of the panels 30 include laterally separated magnetic elements 31 secured thereto, ,as by an appropriate adhesive. Panel 3) is illustratively shown as Vhaving three magnetic `elements 31. However, it is apparent that the number of such elements depends on the width of the board 10, the weight of thepanel 30, and the strength of the individual elements 31. More or less elements may be,

employ'ed depending upon the .requirements ofaparticular application.

Magnetic elements 31 are positioned to be contained within :longitudinal'grooves 21 recessed within backing the individual panels, to thereby captureV the panels 30 within the display board. Channels 22, 23 serve to keep the panels in an aligned relationship and prevent their displacement should they be accidentally brushed against, as set forth below. Panels 30 are constructed of a resilient material so they may be appropriately distorted to be inserted'within end channels 22, 23. That is, in their normal planar configuration, as shown in the fully assembled board, the panels extend under upper surfaces 24, of channels 22, 23, respectively. The individual panels may be manually bent to an arcuate shape to be released from channels 22, 23. A minimum amount of clearance is provided between the ends of the panels and f such inserts while maintaining their positions should they structure 2t).k These groove'scontain a magnetic surface i i individual panels, to thereby maintain the panels in their lappropriate longitudinal positions.

21 to 'cooperate with elements 31 to thereby maintain Magnetic elements 31 are of a sufficient strength to i maintain theV longitudinal position of individual panels 30 against the -counteracting .force of gravity. rThus, .should any of the individual panels `3() -be removed, as shown Vin FIGURE 2, the panels adjacent thereto` will be maintained.l in their Vlongitudinal position Vby the force of attraction between `magnetic elements 31 and the Hence, individual panels maybe removed, replaced and rearranged without the other panels being displaced.

Each of the grooves 21 are of a suiicient depth to completely contain magnetic elements 31. Thus, the presence of elements 31 secured tothe back surface 32 of the panels 30 will not Y'result in any bulges or fprotrus'ions .along the forward surface 33 of the individual panels; Y

l Longitudinal channels 22, 23 along'the longitudinal Y edges of backing structure 20 containthe end portions of be accidentally brushed against.

A floating bar 40 is provided adjacent uppermost panel 30 of display board 1G to cover the unused portion of the display Iboard in an aesthetically pleasing manner. yFloating bar 40 maytypically be a solid plastic bar having a surface finish and color vmatching the rest of the board, and is downwardly biased against the upper surface 34 of the uppermost panel. i The floating bar may be Vprovided for in an extremely simple manner by merely being loosely contained Within end channels 22, 23 to be biased downward by gravity. Thus, if it should be desired to use less than thertotal capacity of the board or use various width panels and not have yany lateral gaps within the board itself, all the used panels may be moved together in an abutting relationship and the unused portionpof the uppermost part of the board covered by panel 40. Panel 40 will have its front surface 41 lie along the same plane as the front surface 33 of the individual panels 30. Thus,l

the board will have a complete and aesthetically pleasing look should it be desired to use less than its complete capacity. Floating bar 40 also permits longitudinal move- In 'Such case Steel 26 serves the dual function of properly positioning its adjacent panel in a generally horizontal position and preventing the individual panel from dropping out from the lower region of the board. I

It is thus seen that `the instant invention provides an improved and simplified structure for a visual display board wherein 4magnets individually affix Yeachof the panels to `the board, thereby permitting selectedones of the panelspto be removed, repositioned, and yrearranged while the other panels will remain in their respective positions. The board and panels are constructed to permit the easy 4removal of both individual panels and individual indicia from each of the panels. A floating'bar isals'o provided to permitan aesthetically pleasing presentationY of material should it be desired to'use less than'full `-capacity of the board.

In the foregoing descriptionthisinvention'has been described with a preferredillustrative embodiment; .'Since ivari'ations and .modifications willnow become apparent to those skillednin'the art, it is accordingly Ydesired notto be limited to the specific appended vclaimsir n Y i .i

`The'embodiments of vthcinvention in' which' 'an ex- `disclosure herein but only Ybythe Y clusive privilege or property is claimed are dened as follows: i

1. A display board comprising, in combination, an integrally formed backing support deiining a volume constructed to receice a plurality of individual panels; said volume being bounded by longitudinally extending end channels, a bottom chanel, and `a top channel; all of said channels forwardly projecting from a planar surface of said backing support to restrictively coniine said Panels to within said volume defined thereby; each of said panels adapted to receive indicia means; magnetic means individually aixing each of said panels to said backing structure; each of said panels extending across the width of said backing structure; said end channels maintaining said plurality of panels in respective alignment along the length of said backing structure; said magnetic means constructed to permit the removal of selected ones of said panels from said backing structure, the other of said panels being maintained in position, adjacent ones ot said individual panels being slidable as a group along said backing support while still being retained within said volume; the uppermost region of said display board including a bar extending across the width of said backing Support; said top channel being of an extent corresponding to the extent of said bar, and deiining a top Volume portion suiiicient to contain said bar; means biasing said i bar downward against the upper edge of an adjacent panel for progressively moving said bar out of said top volume portion; said top bar having a iirst position substantially within said top volume portion corresponding to said adjacent panel being next to the lowermost extension of said top channel, and a second position substantially out of said top volume portion corresponding to said adjacent panel-being displaced from the lowermost extension of said top channel.

2. A display board comprising, in combination; an integrally formed backing support defining a volume constructed to receive a plurality of individual panels; said volume being bounded by longitudinally extending end channels, a bottom channel, and a top channel; all oi said channels forwardly projecting from a planar surface of said backing support to restrictively com'ine said panels to within said volume dened thereby; each of said panels adapted to receive indicia means; magnetic means individually aixing each of said panels to said backing structure; each of said panels extending across the width of said backing structure; said end channels maintaining said plurality of panels in respective alignment along the length of said backing structure; said magnetic means consructed to permit the removal ofV selected ones ot said panels from said backing structure, the other of said panels being maintained in position; adjacent ones of said individual panels being slidable as a group along said backing support while still being retained within said Volume; the uppermost region of said display board including a bar extending across the width of said backing support; said top channel being of an extent corresponding to the extent of said bar, and defining a top Volume portion sutl'icient to contain said bar; said panels resiliently formed to be removably contained within said channels; said bar freely contained within said channels to be gravity biased against the Vupper edge of an adjacent panel for alaaf/a7 progressively moving said bar out of said top Volume portion; said top bar having a iirst position substantially within said top volume portion corresponding to said adjacent panel being next to the lowermost extension of said top channel, and a second position substantially out of said top volume portion corresponding to said adjacent panel being displaced from the lowermost extension of said top channel; said magnetic means including individual magnetic elements secured to the rear surface of each of said panels; said magneti-c elements positioned to cooperatively engage longitudinally extending surfaces of said backing support, whereby each of said panels may be removably athxed at a selected position along the length of said backing support; said longitudinally extending surfaces recessed within longitudinally extending grooves; said grooves dimensioned to contain said magnetic elements in a non-protruding manner with respect Vto the front surface of said panels.

3. A visual scheduling board comprising a plurality of individually removable panels Vaffixed to a backing support; cooperating magnetic means individually aiiixing each of said panels in lateral alignment along the length of said backing supoprt; said magnetic means constructed to permit removal of selected ones of said panels; the other of said panels being maintained in position; said magnetic means recessed into the backing support; peripheral regions of said backing structure including channels to maintain said panels with said backing structure; the uppermost region of said display board including a bar freely contained within a top channel; said top channel being of an extent corresponding to the extent of said bar, and dening a top volume portion sufficient to contain said bar; means biasing said bar against the upper edge of an adjacent panel for progressively moving said bar out of said top volume portion; said top bar having a iirst position substantially within said top volume portion corresponding to said adjacent panel being next to the lowermost extension of said top channel, and a second position substantially out of said top volume portion corresponding to said adjacent panel being displaced from the lowerrnost extension of said top channel.

4. A display board as set forth in claim l, wherein said bar is gravity biased outward of said top volume portion, against the upper edge of said adjacent panel.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 286,045 10/83 McCool 40--142 982,940 1/11 De Silva 35-7.3 X 1,025,997 5/12 Rand 129-16 X 1,121,809 12/14 DeSilva 40--142 X 1,123,215 1/15 Anthony 129-16 X 1,168,949 1/ 16 McKittrick et al 40-142 X 1,433,850 10/22 Schnitker 40-142 X 1,677,919 7/28 Hansen 40-142 1,735,883 11/29 Smith 40142 X 2,515,757 7/50 Browner 40-142 X 2,600,505 6/52 Jones l0-142 2,816,380 12/57 Sindell 35-24.2 X 2,903,808l 9/59 Anderson 40-64 X JEROME sCHNALL, Primary Examiner. 

1. A DISPLAY BOARD COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION, AN INTEGRALLY FORMED BACKING SUPPORT DEFINING A VOLUME CONSTRUCTED TO RECEIVE A PLURALITY OF INDIVIDUAL PANELS; SAID VOLUME BEING BOUNDED BY LONGITUDINALLY EXTENDING END CHANNELS, A BOTTOM CHANEL, AND A TOP CHANNEL; ALL OF SAID CHANNELS FORWARDLY PROJECTING FROM A PLANAR SURFACE OF SAID BACKING SUPPORT TO RESTRICTIVELY CONFINE SAID PANELS TO WITHIN SAID VOLUME DEFINED THEREBY; MAGNETIC MEANS PANELS ADAPTED TO RECEIVE INDICIA MEANS; MAGNETIC MEANS INDIVIDUALLY AFFIXING EACH OF SAID PANELS TO SAID BACKING STRUCTURE; EACH OF SAID PANELS EXTENDING ACROSS THE WIDTH OF SAID BACKING STRUCTURE; SAID END CHANNELS MAINTAINING SAID PLURALITY OF PANELS IN RESPECTIVE ALIGNMENT ALONG THE LENGTH OF SAID BACKING STRUCTURE; SAID MAGNETIC MEANS CONSTRUCTED TO PERMIT THE REMOVAL OF SELECTED ONES OF SAID PANELS FROM SAID BACKING STRUCTURE, THE OTHER OF SAID PANELS BEING MAINTAINED IN POSITION, ADAJCENT ONES OF SAID INDIVIDUAL PANELS BEING SLIDABLE AS A GROUP ALONG SAID BACKING SUPPORT WHILE BEING RETAINED WITHIN SAID VOLUME; THE UPPERMOST REGION OF SAID DISPLAY BOARD INCLUDING A BAR EXTENDING ACROSS THE WIDTH OF SAID BACKING SUPPORT; SAID TOP CHANNEL BEING OF AN EXTENT CORRESPONDING TO THE EXTENT OF SAID BAR, AND DEFINING A TOP VOLUME PORTION SUFFICIENT TO CONTAIN SAID BAR, MEANS BIASING SAID BAR DOWNWARD AGAINST THE UPPER EDGE OF AN ADJACENT PANEL FOR PROGRESSIVELY MOVING SAID BAR OUT OF SAID TOP VOLUME PORTION; SAID TOP BAR HAVING A FIRST POSITION SUBSTANTIALLY WITHIN SAID TOP VOLUME PORTION CORRESPONDING TO SAID ADJACENT PANEL BEING NEXT TO THE LOWERMOST EXTENDING TO SAID ADTOP CHANNEL, AND A SECOND POSITION SUBSTANTIALLY OUT OF SAID TOP VOLUME PORTION SUBSTANTIALLY OUT OF PANEL BEING DISPLACED FROM THE LOWERMOST EXTENSION OF SAID TOP CHANNEL. 